Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi has insisted he will not bow to media pressure and sack Pasquale Marino.
Ghirardi won't sack manager
Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi has insisted he will not bow to media pressure and sack manager Pasquale Marino.
Hopes were high for a successful campaign when the highly-rated Marino took charge last summer, but they have surprisingly struggled.
Results have been particularly poor of late and Sunday's 2-2 draw at Roma extended their winless run to six games.
Parma are currently just three points above the relegation zone and Marino's position has come under increased scrutiny.
Ghirardi is not happy with his side's current standing but maintains that he has not lost faith in Marino.
"Let's say we have not been in a good position at any point this season," Ghirardi told
Sky Sport Italia.
"It is a bit of a difficult year and we got off to a bad start, but are trying to get back on track. Clearly we are aware that this is a key moment of the campaign.
Mistake
"I never like talking about referees, but the nine penalties awarded against us really do feel like too many. It must not be an excuse for the team, but they are far too many, especially compared to all the other teams.
"Fortunately for Marino, his president is not swayed by the media, otherwise he'd have been out by week four or five. I continue along my path and try to do what is best for Parma and its fans.
"I don't want to make the same mistake I did three years ago, when I launched Mimmo Di Carlo in Serie A and sacked him due to the outside pressure.
"I have already said that the only time to change your coach is when he no longer has the respect of the players. That is not the case at Parma."
